Report to the school community
Board of Management Meeting
Monday, 25 January 2010 at 7.30p.m.
1. Tour of School – the members of the board toured the school, including the sports facilities.
2. Opening prayer – The Chairperson lead the opening prayer.
3. Matters arising
The board was informed that the revised students’ council constitution would be available for the next meeting.
4. Principal’s report
Events: - a summary of recent events was presented, including...
- Events relating to careers and interview skills development, health talks issues on topics such as drugs and alcohol.
- A range of T.Y. activities including...
- Marita Lanigan and Roisin Downey won a ‘display’ award at the Young Scientists exhibition – their project studied the effectiveness of plant feeds.
- 421 programme – our TYs gave the first of their talks to our 1st Years on drug awareness – 18/1/10
- Last week was Eco-Action Week which was organised by our Green Schools Committee . Mary White TD visited the school. The assessor for the Green flag visited on Friday.
- In-service for Irish teachers on the use of I.T. -14/12/09
- School Christmas Mass, St. Mary’s – 17/12/09
- Music events: CD track played on Lyric FM and orchestra performances, orchestra performances in Kilkenny Castle and MacDonagh Junction.
- Presentations were made to our best performers in Junior/Leaving and LCA at our Christmas concert on 22/12/09.
- A comprehensive report on sporting activities was presented with the following sports covered: Athletics (Cliodhna Manning to represent Ireland in the International Schools competition), Basketball (excellent performance of Seniors in All-Ireland play-offs noted), Camogie (Seniors commended for reaching the Leinster final), Gaelic Football, Hockey (successes at all levels with the best wishes of the board to the Senior team in the South East Cup), Soccer (Leinster Futsol finals tomorrow).
The board acknowledged the great contribution of the staff in all of the school activities and thanked them for their continuing commitment to the school and their students.
HSE Swine ‘Flu vaccinations
The principal reported that the vaccinations were to be given on Tuesday next week – it was agreed that parents should be informed that girls aged 16 plus would, in accordance with legislation, be entitled to provide their own consent to receive the vaccine.
T.Y. enrolment:
The procedure was outlined as follows:
- Assembly for 3rd Years before Christmas had taken place, Information night for parents on Tuesday (19th) last week, 113 applications received by Friday’s closing date.
The board agreed to fix the limit of places to 108 on the basis of providing four classes of 27 students.
Parents were informed of the following procedures which were agreed at a previous board meeting:
LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE PLACED AT THE END OF THE WAITING LIST.
Should the number of applications exceed the set limit, places will be allocated by means of a lottery of students who:
- Are currently enrolled in the school;
- Have submitted a valid application not later than the closing date;
- And are committed to the programme for the full duration of the academic year.
All unsuccessful applicants will be placed on a waiting list following fair procedures.
Closure of school due to adverse weather
On the evening of 6th January, in consultation with The Chairperson and other local schools, it was decided not to open on the 7th. A meeting of local schools was held on the 7th and it was agreed to remain closed for Friday (8th), but that a decision in relation to Monday would not be made until Sunday afternoon/evening to maximise the chance of opening. On Friday, it was announced that Batt O’Keeffe had ordered the closure of schools until Monday. I consulted with The Chairperson and it was agreed that we had to adhere to this order of the Minister. On Monday afternoon (mid-day), Minister O’Keeffe reversed the decision. At this stage it was my view that it would not be possible to open the next day and having consulted with Sr Brigid and the other schools it was decided to re-open on Wednesday.
The board expressed its satisfaction in relation to the process in relation to school closures and the board approved the use of those procedures in respect of any future similar circumstances arising.
Amendments to calendar: - 1st/2nd Year PTMs to take place on Friday, 12th February – staff and parent/teacher meetings on 27th cancelled – full school day. This restores one teaching day to our 3rd/6th Year students.
‘Mock’ Examinations
Our pre-exams will start on the 3rd of February. The fee for the examinations is €100 which is levied to cover the cost of scripts, corrections and stationery.
Security - Gym.
Last week, Tuesday, eight mobile phones were stolen from the dressing rooms. The phones belonged to members of our Senior Camogie panel who were training after school. We are reviewing our security arrangements. A quotation is being sought for a CCTV camera that would cover the entrances to the Gym and part of the car park area. The matter was reported to the Guards.
5. The principal outlined the school’s procedures in relation to child protection guidelines.
It was agreed that the board would send three representatives to the J.M.B. training on child protection.
6. Admissions Policy – it was decided to hold a meeting of the board on the 8th of March to discuss this matter. It was also agreed to invite St. Canice’s N.S. and their Parents’ Association to make submissions in time for this meeting.
7. Loreto Education Policy
‘A holistic and person-centred education’ – the board reflected on the recent cluster meeting for boards of management.
8. Health and Safety
It was reported that staff had been updated and meetings with prefects had taken place, fire drill due to take place during this term.
9. Finance – the finance committee presented a report to the board.
A report on the activities of Sports Facilities by the administrator was presented to the board.
10. Building Programme
The principal provided the board with a copy of a recent submission made to the Department of Education and Science in relation to the building programme. He also reported that he had attended a meeting on the 12th January with the Design Team and the planning and building unit in Tullamore. The design team have been asked to update their tendering submission in relation to new regulations and contracts. This work expected to take 2 months. Department wants schools to be in a state of readiness for further announcements later in yea.
11. Items for Next meeting
It was agreed that the proposal in relation to the organisation of an Open Day would be discussed on the 8th of March.
12. A.O.B.
It was agreed that a text message, acknowledging the contribution to the Haiti appeal, would be sent to all parents. The non-uniform day raised €5,800.